Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The FAA’s Innovation Office has accepted a type certificate application from XTI Aerospace for its TriFan 6000 VTOL aircraft. The Colorado-based company announced the milestone on March 1 and reported that it is now preparing to roll out its “Sparrow” subscale working model early in the second quarter of this year.
The TriFan 600 has been under development for almost a decade now, with the company pitching the design as an alternative to current business jets and helicopters. Described as a “vertical lift crossover airplane,” it is expected to have a range of 600 nm and will cruise around 300 knots at an altitude of 25,000 feet.
XTI said its engineering team has been engaging with the FAA&nbsp; to establish its certification plan based on the AC 21-17b “powered lift” requirements. It said the agency has now started the process for reviewing its G-1 “basis for certification” process.
The TriFan 600 will be powered by a pair of as-yet-unspecified turbofan engines running on jet-A fuel or sustainable aviation fuel. The design features two tilting ducted fans on the wing and a rear fan installed in the rear section of the fuselage.
According to the company, it has also now completed a downwash/outwash study that involved analyzing airflows generated by the aircraft during vertical takeoff and landing. Among its pending tasks are design work on the fuel system, enhancements to the air inlets and exhaust, producing a flight deck mockup, and completing an update to a structural model for the TriFan 600.
“The powered-lift category is new territory for the FAA and other regulatory bodies, and we’ve learned a great deal from pioneers like [eVTOL aircraft developers] Joby and Archer, who have helped shape this regulatory landscape and aided in crafting how the FAA certifies new families of VTOL aircraft,” commented XTI chairman and CEO Scott Pomeroy.
Earlier this week, XTI also announced that its board of directors had approved a plan for the management team to buy back up to $5 million of its common stock over the next 12 to 18 months. In a March 18 statement, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-07-18/xti-attracts-more-investment-trifan-600">the company</a> said it believes its common stock is undervalued. When New York’s Nasdaq market closed that day, the share price stood at $2.55.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

FAA Accepts Type Certificate Application for XTI's TriFan 600 VTOL Aircraft

XTI Aerospace says it is close to completing a subscale working model

The FAA is reviewing the G-1 "basis for certification" plan proposed by XTI Aerospace for its TriFan 600 turbine-powered vertical takoff and landing aircraft.

FAA Accepts XTI's Certification Application for TriFan 600 VTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Gaseous hydrogen fuel tanks have been moved out of the cabin to the wing

Beyond Aero Reveals Redesign of Hydrogen Business Jet

Matt Thurber

New avionics replace the Honeywell Apex avionics on previous models

Pilatus Unveils PC-12 Pro with Garmin Avionics 

UK start-up has funds to support work through the end of 2025

Vertical's Third VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Takes Shape

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 business jet is one of five candidates 

Gulfstream, Skyryse among 2024 Collier Trophy Finalists

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Aircraft was sold in 27 days

SmartJets Speed Runs Sale of Dassault Falcon 2000

Kerry Lynch

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Globally, business jet departures were down a percentage point

Global Bizjet Flights Dip in February

Neelam Mathews

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

The e200 aircraft should have a range of up to around 60 nm

India’s ePlane Set To Start Flight Testing Two-seat eVTOL Aircraft

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

More In Aircraft